UUFH Pastoral Associates
Back row: Robin Grainger, Jack Caldwell, Bill White, Neal Andreae,Rev. Jim McKinley.
Front row: Barbara Eck, Reba Furches, Pat Caldwell
The Pastoral Associates (PA) are a team of specially trained UUFH volunteers. They work in partnership with the Minister to offer a ‘ministry of presence’ to UUFH congregants who are facing illness, crisis, stressful life changes, or end-of-life care. Currently, there are seven members.
The PAs meet monthly with the Minister to discuss pastoral care needs of UUFH members and friends. All discussions, both in meetings and one on one with congregants, are held in strictest confidence. News of a situation is only shared with the wider congregation with the permission of the concerned person. One PA is ‘on-call’ each month, and his/her name is listed in The Beacon and Order of Service.
Pastoral Associates have received special training in active listening, confidentiality, pastoral visiting, and referral. UU members interested in joining this team should talk with any of our members or the Minister.
Pastoral Associates are generally involved when a congregant has an illness, has had an accident, or has a crisis that requires assistance beyond medical intervention or what family and friends can offer. PAs make visits and/or phone calls or send cards to offer support and encouragement. They sometimes arrange transportation, shopping, or meals on a temporary basis.
Anyone needing pastoral help should call the UU Office during regular hours or speak with a Pastoral Associate or the Minister.
— Barbara Eck, Chair, Pastoral Associates